Supply chain

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Key Issues and Strategies in Supply Chain Management

Cross-Functional Integration in Supply Chain Management

Successful supply chain management (SCM) necessitates cross-functional integration, with marketing playing a pivotal role. The challenge lies in achieving this integration effectively. A proposed framework for SCM highlights the importance of cross-functional collaboration and suggests areas for future research to enhance this integration.

Coordinated Supply Chain Management

Historically, procurement, production, and distribution stages of the supply chain were managed independently, buffered by large inventories. However, increasing competitive pressures and market globalization demand that firms develop supply chains capable of rapid response to customer needs. Coordinated planning across these stages, facilitated by advances in communication and information technology, can significantly reduce operating costs and improve customer service.

Supply Chain Management in the Digital Economy

In the digital economy, SCM faces new challenges such as visibility, supplier relationships, distribution and pricing, customization, and real-time decision technologies. Analytical research models have been developed to address these issues, providing insights into how e-business can enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.

Definitions and Systems Approach in Supply Chain Management

The term SCM encompasses various meanings, from management processes to structural organization. A systems approach identifies different levels of SCM: internal supply chain, dyadic relationships, external supply chain, and inter-business networks. Empirical research in the European automotive aftermarket reveals gaps in perceptions of requirements and performance between customers and suppliers, particularly in quality, delivery, service, range, and price.

Strategic, Tactical, and Operational Perspectives

Managing the supply chain from strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives is essential for improving customer service and achieving a balance between costs and services. This involves evaluating the competitive environment, conducting a diagnostic review of the supply chain, and developing the supply chain through functional, internal, and external integration.

Importance of Supply Chain Coordination

Effective SCM requires coordination among numerous activities spread over multiple functions and organizations. A systematic literature review highlights the importance of SC coordination and suggests various mechanisms to achieve it. Identifying gaps in the literature, the review proposes a framework for future research to enhance SC coordination.

Internal and External Supply Chains

Understanding SCM involves recognizing both internal and external supply chains. Internal supply chains refer to relationships among procurement, production, logistics, and sales departments within a company. External supply chains encompass relationships among suppliers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers.

Historical Perspective and Practical Guidelines

Interest in SCM has grown since the 1980s, driven by the benefits of collaborative relationships within and beyond organizations. Effective competition now requires linking a firm's supply chain strategy to its overall business strategy. Practical guidelines for successful SCM emphasize the importance of these collaborative relationships.

Supply Chain Coordination with Contracts

Supply chain coordination can be achieved through various contractual models. These models identify optimal actions for the supply chain, extending traditional models like the newsvendor model to include retail price and demand-increasing efforts. Coordination is complex due to the need to align multiple actions without causing distortions.

Global Supply Chains

Global supply chains, also known as global value chains or global production networks, involve a network of activities from design to final consumer support. These activities are carried out on a global scale, either within the firm or through contracts with foreign firms, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern supply chains.

Conclusion

Effective supply chain management is critical for maintaining competitive advantage in today's global market. By integrating cross-functional activities, coordinating across different stages, and leveraging digital technologies, firms can enhance their supply chain efficiency and responsiveness. Understanding the complexities and adopting strategic, tactical, and operational perspectives are essential for successful SCM.